Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Every year, the Neighborhood Cruisers select local families that are in need of financial help, due to the rising costs of hospital bills, medicine, and medical treatment.

This year, the Neighborhood Cruisers selected three children to be the beneficiaries of this year's car show, Cruisin for Kids.

Emma Westcott - Bronx, N.Y
Emma is 1 year old, born with a birth defect called left sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Emma’s intestines were growing inside of her chest and her left lung was being compressed. Despite being given a very low survival rate, Emma and her twin sister were born January 7, 2008. After several operations and with more to come as she grows Emma is a survivor of CDH. Her battle is not over and there is always a chance of reherniation. The Family faces a great deal of expenses as insurance does not cover all of the expenses incurred.

Julia Pierce - Harriman, N.Y.
Julia is 5 years old and is diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Julia is now in the fight of her life as she faces approximately three years of chemotherapy and five years until she will be considered cured. She will be unable to start kindergarten this fall. She has also had to give up the dance classes she loves because of her compromised immune system. The Family is facing mounting medical expenses and other bills associated with Julia’s care.

Kevin Kearney – Orangeburg, NY
Kevin is 6 years old and suffers from Muscular Dystrophy a condition characterized by the loss of muscle strength. In approximately a year Kevin will need a walker. In 2 years he will need a wheel chair. Since all the bedrooms in the Kearney home are on the second floor they are in need of a renovation to allow Kevin to function more easily.